Radio identities Kevin Poulton and Joseph Thomsen head the ballot draw for Wodonga Council election

Mr Thomsen recently ended a 15-year stint on ABC Goulburn-Murray when he took a redundancy from the national broadcaster and was one of the last minute nominations for the council election next month.

Mr Poulton, who has stayed on in his on-air role with commercial station, 2AY, was one of the first to nominate for the election which has attracted a field of 19 candidates _ five less than four years ago.

Mr Poulton and Mr Thomsen have drawn first and second respectively on the ballot paper after the draw was completed soon after nominations closed.

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Mr Thomsen is a Wodonga resident unlike Mr Poulton, who lives in Albury, but is free to run due to his official capacity as a director of the Albury-Wodonga Community College.

The former ABC announcer said he had made a last minute decision to run for council with dramas associated with the NSW-Victoria border closure being a catalyst.

He said the frustrations of recent months was a prime opportunity to raise a merger of Albury and Wodonga councils again.

"I don't want to be a one idea person, but that is one main driver for me," he said.

"I know a lot of people aren't in favour of amalgamation, but I think it would better for Albury-Wodonga.

"All of the anomalies and problems on both sides I don't think there is any benefit to anybody (with status quo)."

Olga Quilty, the wife of former councillor turned Victorian Upper House politician Tim, was also a last minute nomination.

Mr Quilty represents the Liberal Democrats who have also endorsed his wife for the council election.

"I love this area and having been in lockdown for a while it made think how it important it is to stand up and make some impact," she said.

Mr Quilty's departure from Wodonga Council was filled by Brian Mitchell, who has since his ascended to the role of deputy mayor.

Six of the seven incumbent councillors including Cr Mitchell have renominated for another term with mayor Anna Speedie announcing her decision to step aside a month ago.

Former councillor Michael Fraser is seeking to win a spot back after missing out in 2016.

The candidates in ballot order are:

Kev Poulton

Joseph Thomsen

Andrew Lees

John Watson

Willem Manley

Libby Hall

Beth O'Shea

Ron Mildren

Mike Fraser

Kat Bennett

Simon Walsh

Graeme Simpfendorfer

Danny Lowe

Olga Quilty

Bernie Squire

Rupinder Kaur

Rick Del Monte

Brian Mitchell

Danny Chamberlain